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Son of Aloazo Tomas Garcia, a
miller, and Lucia Martinez. He grew up in Villanova, and was educated at
the University of Alcala. Professor of arts, logic and philosophy at the
university from 1514. Joined the Augustinian friars at Salamanca in 1516.
Ordained in 1518, celebrating his first Mass on Christmas Day. Suffered
from absentmindedness and poor memory. Preacher. Prior. Provincial of the
friars. Sent the first Augustinians to the New World. Nominated by the
emperor to the archbishopric of Granada; refused the first time, but
agreed the second time it was offered, after being ordered by the Pope,
taking his position on 1 January 1545.
His cathedral gave him money to furnish his house; he donated it to a
hospital, saying, "What does a poor friar like myself want with
furniture?" Every day he wore the same habit he had received as a
novitiate, mending it himself. The canons and domestics were ashamed of
him, but could not change him. Several hundred poor came to Thomas' door
each morning, and were given meals, wine and money. Criticized for being
exploited, he replied, "If there are people who refuse to work, that is
for the authorities to deal with. My duty is to assist and relieve those
who come to my door." He took in orphans, and paid his servants for every
deserted child they brought to him. He encouraged the wealthy to imitate
his example. Criticized for being gentle with sinners, he said, "Let them
ask if Augustine or John Chrysostom used anathemas and excommunication to
stop drunkenness and blasphemy."
As he lay dying, Thomas commanded that all his money be distributed to the
poor. Mass was said in his presence, and after Communion he breathed his
last, reciting: "Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit." Left a
number of theological writings.
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